AMN /MUMBAI
Twenty seven people, including four women reportedly died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Elphinstone Road station in Mumbai at about 10:45 a.m. today. Injured were immediately rushed to nearby KEM hospital. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rupees 5lakh each to next of kin of the deceased. The state government will bear the entire cost of treatment of the injured.
According to authorities, the stampede on the north foot over bridge was caused as people started gathering on the bridge to take shelter from sudden heavy rains. The injured have been shifted to nearby KEM hospital. Accident Relief Medical Equipment Train reached the incident area immediately. Senior railway officers also rushed to the site. Railway has ordered an enquiry into the matter.
The foot over bridge that connects the Eliphinstone Road Station on the Western Line and Parel Station on the Central line is extremely crowded during the office hours. Many offices are situated in the area. The Railway Minister Piyush Goyal is also scheduled to attend a Railway event in Mumbai today.
“Many were waiting in the rain. There were too many people in a cramped space. When people were trying to rush to their trains, the stampede happened,” said railway spokesperson Anil Saxena.
Visuals after the incident showed people on the ground, many not moving at all, and attempts to revive them. Passengers and local people were seen carrying bodies down the bridge. Footwear was scattered next to the bridge and rescuers cleared out more from the stairs.
The police are investigating reports that a short-circuit with a loud sound near the bridge led to panic and people started running.
Sation Stampede: Maha CM promises strict action, announces compensation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today promised to take strict action against those responsible for the tragic stampede in Mumbai that claimed at least 22 lives and announced Rs five lakh for the next of the kins of the deceased.
Fadnavis, who is on a two-day investor-interaction visit to Singapore, expressed condolences and said, “My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones.”
He said he was saddened and shocked to know about the tragic stampede this morning on a foot over-bridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban railway stations in Mumbai.
“Enquiry will be conducted by Government of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways and necessary, strict action will be taken,” he tweeted.
He announced Rs 5 lakh for the next of the kins of the deceased.
“All the medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the Government of Maharashtra,” he said.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has reached Mumbai and ordered a high-level inquiry into the stampede.
Fadnavis said he had spoken to Chief Secretary and city police commissioner and told them to reach hospital to monitor and ensure that everyone gets all the help.